Description
⚡ 12V SugarCube 5-Pin Relay Module – Heavy-Duty Power Switching Solution
The 12V SugarCube 5-Pin Relay is a compact, robust electromechanical relay module designed for switching high-power AC/DC loads using 12V control signals. With its miniature “sugar cube” form factor and 5-pin configuration, this relay is perfect for automotive applications, industrial automation, robotics, and high-power switching projects. Capable of switching up to 10A at 250VAC or 30VDC, this relay provides reliable electrical isolation and is ideal for 12V battery-powered systems and vehicle electronics.
✨ Key Highlights
- ⚡ 12V Coil Voltage – Perfect for automotive and battery systems
- 🔌 10A Switching Capacity – Handle appliances, motors, lights, and solenoids
- 🚗 Automotive Grade – Ideal for car electronics and 12V systems
- 🔒 Electrical Isolation – Safe separation between control and load circuits
- 📐 Compact SugarCube Design – Space-saving miniature form factor
- 🔄 SPDT Configuration – Single Pole Double Throw (NO + NC contacts)
- 💡 Low Power Coil – Minimal current draw (~35mA)
- 🔧 5-Pin Terminal – Easy PCB mounting and connections
- ⚙️ Long Lifespan – 100,000+ mechanical operations
- 🌐 Wide Compatibility – Works with Arduino, Raspberry Pi via level shifter
📊 Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| ⚡ Coil Voltage |
12V DC (Nominal) |
| 🔋 Coil Voltage Range |
9V – 14.4V DC (Operating range) |
| 💡 Coil Current |
~35mA (typical at 12V) |
| ⚙️ Coil Resistance |
~340Ω (±10%) |
| ⚡ Coil Power |
~420mW |
| 🔌 Contact Configuration |
SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) |
| ⚡ Maximum Switching Voltage (AC) |
250VAC |
| 🔋 Maximum Switching Voltage (DC) |
30VDC |
| 💪 Maximum Switching Current |
10A (Resistive Load) |
| 🔌 Contact Rating |
10A @ 250VAC / 10A @ 30VDC |
| ⚙️ Contact Material |
Silver Alloy (AgNi or AgCdO) |
| 🔒 Contact Resistance |
≤100mΩ (initial) |
| ⏱️ Operating Time |
≤10ms (pickup), ≤5ms (release) |
| 🔄 Mechanical Life |
10,000,000 operations (no load) |
| ⚡ Electrical Life |
100,000 operations (rated load) |
| 🛡️ Insulation Resistance |
≥100MΩ (at 500VDC) |
| ⚡ Dielectric Strength |
1000VAC (1 minute between coil and contacts) |
| 🌡️ Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C |
| 📏 Dimensions |
~19.5mm x 15.5mm x 15.5mm (LxWxH) |
| 📌 Pin Pitch |
5.0mm (standard PCB spacing) |
| ⚖️ Weight |
~8g |
🔌 5-Pin Configuration
| Pin Number |
Pin Name |
Function |
| 1 |
Coil (+) |
Positive coil terminal (Connect to +12V via driver/transistor) |
| 2 |
Coil (-) |
Negative coil terminal (Connect to GND) |
| 3 |
COM |
Common contact (Moving contact, connects to load) |
| 4 |
NO |
Normally Open contact (Closed when relay energized) |
| 5 |
NC |
Normally Closed contact (Open when relay energized) |
🔄 SPDT Contact States
🎯 Perfect For
| Application |
Description |
| 🚗 Automotive Electronics |
Car accessories, lighting, horn control, power windows |
| 🔋 Battery Systems |
12V battery switching, solar charge controllers |
| 🚚 Vehicle Modifications |
Fog lights, auxiliary lights, custom accessories |
| 🏕️ RV/Marine Applications |
Boat electronics, camper systems, 12V appliances |
| 🤖 Robotics |
Motor direction control, high-current actuators |
| 🔐 Access Control |
12V electric locks, gate operators, door strikes |
| ⚡ Industrial Control |
12V/24V industrial equipment, PLCs |
| 🌞 Solar Systems |
Load disconnection, battery protection circuits |
| 🚨 Alarm Systems |
12V siren control, strobe lights, security devices |
| 💡 12V Lighting |
LED strips, automotive bulbs, work lights |
| 🔊 Audio Systems |
Amplifier switching, speaker protection |
| 🏭 Automation |
Conveyor belts, pumps, industrial motors |
🔧 Driving the Relay with Different Voltages
| Control Voltage |
Solution |
Components Needed |
| 12V Direct (Battery) |
NPN Transistor or MOSFET |
2N2222/TIP120 or IRLZ44N, 1kΩ resistor, 1N4007 diode |
| 5V (Arduino/ESP32) |
Logic-level MOSFET + 12V supply |
IRLZ44N MOSFET, 10kΩ resistor, 1N4007 diode, separate 12V PSU |
| 3.3V (ESP8266/ESP32) |
MOSFET driver or transistor buffer |
2N2222 + MOSFET or relay module with 3.3V input |
| Multiple Relays |
ULN2803 Darlington Array |
ULN2803 IC (8 channels, built-in flyback diodes) |
| Easiest Method |
12V Relay Module Board |
Pre-built module with optocoupler isolation |
⚡ MOSFET Driver Circuit (5V/3.3V MCU)
| Connection |
Details |
| MCU GPIO (5V/3.3V) |
→ 10kΩ Resistor → MOSFET Gate (IRLZ44N) |
| MOSFET Source |
→ GND (Common ground with MCU) |
| MOSFET Drain |
→ Relay Coil Pin 2 (Coil -) |
| Relay Coil Pin 1 (Coil +) |
→ +12V Power Supply (Separate or battery) |
| Flyback Diode (1N4007) |
Cathode → +12V, Anode → Coil Pin 2 (parallel to coil) |
| Gate Pull-down (Optional) |
10kΩ resistor between Gate and GND (prevents floating) |
🆚 12V vs 5V Relay Comparison
| Feature |
12V Relay |
5V Relay |
| Coil Current |
~35mA (Lower) |
~70mA (Higher) |
| Coil Resistance |
~340Ω |
~70Ω |
| Power Consumption |
~420mW |
~350mW |
| Automotive Use |
✅ Perfect match |
⚠️ Needs voltage conversion |
| Arduino Direct Drive |
❌ Requires 12V supply |
✅ Direct with transistor |
| Battery Systems |
✅ Ideal for 12V batteries |
⚠️ Needs regulator |
| Best For |
Automotive, industrial, battery |
Hobbyist, Arduino projects |
| Price |
💰💰 Similar |
💰💰 Similar |
⚠️ Critical Safety Notes
- 🔌 12V supply REQUIRED for coil – Will not operate reliably below 9V
- ⚡ ALWAYS use flyback diode – Critical for 12V coils to prevent voltage spikes
- 🔒 Separate 12V supply needed when using 5V/3.3V microcontrollers
- ⚠️ AC VOLTAGE IS DANGEROUS – Ensure proper insulation when switching mains
- 🛡️ Observe polarity on coil – Pin 1 is (+), Pin 2 is (-)
- 💪 Don’t exceed 10A rating – Use appropriate wire gauge (16-18 AWG)
- 🔥 Automotive loads can be inductive – Derate by 50% for motors/solenoids
- 🚗 Vehicle voltage varies – 12V nominal but can be 11-14.5V (running)
- 🌡️ Engine bay temperatures high – Ensure relay rated for environment
- 🔧 Use fuses on automotive circuits – Protect wiring from shorts
- ⚡ Common ground essential – MCU and relay power must share common GND
📦 Package Contents
- ✅ 1x 12V SugarCube 5-Pin Relay
- ✅ Standard PCB through-hole package
- ✅ Anti-static packaging
- ⚠️ Note: Driver circuit components NOT included
- ⚠️ Note: Flyback diode sold separately (1N4007 recommended)
- ⚠️ Note: 12V power supply NOT included
🔧 Example Code (Arduino with 12V Supply)
| Code Snippet |
// Define relay control pin (connected to MOSFET gate)
const int RELAY_PIN = 7;
void setup() {
pinMode(RELAY_PIN, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW); // Relay OFF (MOSFET off)
}
void loop() {
digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, HIGH); // Relay ON (MOSFET conducts)
delay(3000); // 3 seconds ON
digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW); // Relay OFF
delay(3000); // 3 seconds OFF
}
// Note: Requires separate 12V supply for relay coil
// Arduino 5V powers only the MOSFET gate
|
🚗 Automotive Load Examples
| Load Type |
Typical Current |
Relay Suitability |
| LED Light Bar (Small) |
3-5A |
✅ Excellent (well within rating) |
| Fog Lights (Halogen 55W) |
~4.6A each |
✅ Good (single light or pair with caution) |
| Horn |
3-6A |
✅ Perfect match |
| Electric Fuel Pump |
3-5A |
✅ Suitable |
| Cooling Fan (Small) |
5-8A |
✅ Good (monitor temperature) |
| Window Motor |
8-15A (peak) |
⚠️ Borderline (use larger relay) |
| Starter Motor |
100-400A |
❌ Use starter relay/solenoid |
| Headlights (Single 55W) |
~4.6A |
✅ Suitable (use fuse) |
| 12V Water Pump |
2-4A |
✅ Excellent |
| Winch (Small) |
20-50A |
❌ Use heavy-duty contactor |
🔄 Load Type Considerations
| Load Type |
Max Current (12V) |
Special Notes |
| Resistive (Heaters, Bulbs) |
10A |
✅ Full rated current, no derating |
| Inductive (Motors, Solenoids) |
5A |
⚠️ Derate to 50%, use snubber circuit |
| LED Loads (with driver) |
10A |
✅ Near full rating acceptable |
| Halogen Bulbs |
6A |
⚠️ High inrush current (10-15x normal) |
| 12V DC Motors |
5A |
⚠️ Stall current can be 3-5x running current |
| Solenoid Valves |
5A |
⚠️ High inrush, use flyback protection |
✅ Advantages of 12V Relay
| Feature |
Benefit |
| 🚗 Automotive Standard |
Direct compatibility with car electrical systems |
| 💡 Lower Coil Current |
35mA vs 70mA (5V relay) – easier to drive |
| 🔋 Battery Friendly |
Works directly with 12V lead-acid, LiFePO4 batteries |
| ⚡ Better Noise Immunity |
12V signals less susceptible to interference |
| 🌞 Solar System Compatible |
Matches 12V solar panel systems |
| 📐 Compact Size |
Same footprint as 5V version |
| 💪 High Current Rating |
10A switches most automotive accessories |
| 🔒 Electrical Isolation |
Complete galvanic isolation for safety |
🔍 Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem |
Possible Cause |
Solution |
| Relay Doesn’t Click |
Insufficient voltage (below 9V) |
✅ Check 12V supply with multimeter, verify driver circuit |
| Weak/Chattering Click |
Voltage too low or high resistance |
✅ Check wire connections, measure voltage at coil pins |
| Relay Stays On |
MOSFET/transistor always conducting |
✅ Check GPIO signal, add pull-down resistor to gate |
| MCU Resets When Switching |
Missing flyback diode causing spike |
✅ Add 1N4007 diode across coil (cathode to +12V) |
| Load Doesn’t Turn On |
Wrong contact wiring (using NC instead of NO) |
✅ Verify COM connected to NO contact, test with multimeter |
| Intermittent Operation |
Loose connections or corroded contacts |
✅ Clean contacts, check solder joints, ensure tight connections |
| Relay Gets Hot |
Overcurrent or continuous operation at max rating |
✅ Reduce load current, ensure proper ventilation |
| Short Lifespan |
Switching inductive loads without protection |
✅ Add snubber circuit, derate current for motors |
🛡️ Snubber Circuit (For Inductive 12V Loads)
| Component |
Value |
Purpose |
| Diode (Across Load) |
1N4004 or 1N5819 (Schottky) |
Suppresses back EMF from DC motors/solenoids |
| TVS Diode (Optional) |
P6KE15A (15V) |
Additional spike protection for sensitive loads |
| RC Snubber (AC loads) |
100Ω + 0.1µF (630V rated) |
Reduces arcing on AC switching |
💡 Pro Tips for Automotive Use
- 🔧 Always use fused connections – Place fuse near battery/power source
- 🌡️ Mount away from heat sources – Keep relay away from exhaust manifolds
- 💧 Protect from moisture – Use sealed enclosures in engine bay
- 🔌 Use proper crimp connectors – Solderless terminals for vibration resistance
- 📏 Wire gauge matters – Use 16 AWG minimum for 10A loads
- 🔒 Ground to chassis – Use clean, paint-free ground points
- ⚡ Voltage drop considerations – Long wire runs need larger gauge
- 🛡️ Add relay socket – Makes replacement easier, no direct solder
- 📋 Label all wires – Future troubleshooting will thank you
- 🔋 Battery disconnect protection – Use NC contact for critical systems
🛡️ Warranty & Support
✅ Genuine quality relay with silver alloy contacts
✅ Factory tested for 12V coil operation
✅ Rated for 100,000+ electrical operations
✅ Automotive-grade temperature range (-40°C to +85°C)
✅ Standard 5mm pin pitch for PCB integration
✅ Circuit diagram and wiring examples included
✅ Technical specifications datasheet provided
✅ Fast replacement for defective units
⚠️ Safety Warning: Always use proper fuses and insulation for high-voltage/high-current applications
